[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that Jenny Starr, who serves as the chief administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), will conclude her six-year term of service on June 30, 2025. The Governor has appointed Tim O’Malley as temporary chief judge, who will serve until a permanent chief judge is appointed.

“Thank you to Chief Judge Starr for her service to the State of Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “Your commitment has made a lasting impact on our community, and we are truly grateful for your service. We wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.”

“It has been an honor to serve as chief judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings,” said Judge Starr. “I’m proud of what has been accomplished under my tenure, and how we have consistently brought our values of respect, neutrality, trust, understanding, and helpfulness to every part of our work.”

"Tim O’Malley brings a deep familiarity and distinguished legal career to this position,” said Governor Walz. “He consistently leads with humility, wisdom, and a deep sense of responsibility, which is why I am confident he will do an exceptional job leading OAH during this period of transition.”

“I am honored that Governor Walz has asked me to serve and am thrilled to return to OAH on an interim basis until a new chief is appointed,” said Tim O’Malley. “Together with the judges, attorneys, and staff, we will continue to fulfill OAH’s mission by providing fair, timely, and impartial services to ensure the wellbeing of all Minnesotans.” 

About Tim O’Malley:  
Tim O’Malley brings a distinguished career in law, law enforcement, and public service to the bench. Appointed director of ministerial standards and safe environment for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in 2014, he led nationally recognized reforms in child protection and clergy accountability. In 2023, he transitioned to a part-time position serving as an advisor to the archbishop. Before this role, O’Malley served as deputy chief judge at the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings and as superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. His wide-ranging legal experience includes private practice and significant law enforcement roles at the city, state, and federal levels, for which he has been recognized for his integrity, adaptability, and commitment to justice. O’Malley received his B.A. from St. Mary’s College, a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, and a Masters of Management and Administration from Metropolitan State University.

About the Office of Administrative Hearings:
The Office of Administrative Hearings is an administrative court that holds fair and impartial hearings in contested cases involving challenges to government action or workers’ compensation disputes. The office also exercises general supervision over state agency rulemaking. The chief judge is responsible for appointing other administrative law judges and compensation judges as necessary to fulfill the duties of the office.

For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor’s Judicial Appointments webpage.